The Geomotion Vibrating Wire Piezometer is a precision instrument designed for the long-term measurement of pore water pressure in soil and rock. Built with durability, accuracy, and reliability in mind, it has become a trusted solution for engineers and geotechnical specialists who need dependable data to monitor ground conditions, assess stability, and ensure the safety of critical infrastructure projects.
Crafted from 316-grade stainless steel, the transducer is designed to perform in demanding environments. This corrosion-resistant material ensures that the sensor maintains its integrity even when exposed to aggressive groundwater, chemically active soils, or harsh field conditions. The instrument operates across a wide pressure range of -50 to 4000 kPa, making it suitable for applications from shallow groundwater studies to deep rock investigations.
The piezometer may be fitted with either a low air entry sintered steel or high air entry ceramic filters. A coned nose piece is available for push in installations. An integral thermistor for temperature monitoring is included.
Flexible Filter and Installation Options
The Geomotion Vibrating Wire Piezometer can be customized to match site-specific conditions:
- Sintered steel low air entry filters are ideal for general use in coarse soils.
- Ceramic high air entry filters are recommended for accurate pore pressure measurement in fine-grained soils and clays.
For projects requiring rapid installation, a coned nose piece option is available, allowing the instrument to be pushed directly into the ground. This not only reduces installation time but also minimizes soil disturbance, leading to more representative measurements.
The Geomotion Vibrating Wire Piezometer leverages the vibrating wire principle, a technology trusted worldwide for its stability and accuracy.
The Geomotion Vibrating Wire Piezometer offers unmatched performance in geotechnical and hydrological applications. Its proven accuracy, reliability, and adaptability make it the instrument of choice for projects where understanding pore water pressure is critical to safety and success.
Product Features
- Small diameter
- Uses proven Vibrating Wire (VW) technology
- Manufactured from high grade 316 stainless steel for extended operation
- In-built temperature compensation
- Hermetically sealed Suitable for long-term monitoring
- No electronic components in sensor module
- Capable of measuring negative pore pressures to –50 kPa
- Fitted with thermistors for temperature monitoring
Product Benefits
- Over 30 years of expertise in the design and manufacture of Vibrating Wire instrument technology
- Accurate, repeatable readings over long cable lengths
- Long working life, long term stability and reliability
- Fast response to pressure changes
- Design prevents case stresses from affecting readings
- Over-voltage surge arrestor protects against electrical damage
- Connecting cable is strong, screened and flexible
Operation
The Standard Vibrating Wire Piezometer is designed for the accurate measurement of pore water pressures in fully or partially saturated soil.
The piezometer tip has an integral porous filter element containing a diaphragm type Vibrating Wire pressure transducer. A cable connects the transducer to a read-out, terminal unit or data logger.
The readout can display either frequency based units, or on inputting the instrument calibration factor, it can also display engineering units.
Application
Piezometers are used in geotechnical, environmental, and hydrological applications. They can be installed in boreholes, placed in fill materials or open wells to measure water levels or pore water pressures to enable engineers to verify design assumptions and control placement of fill. With a nose cone fitted the piezometer can also be pushed into soft ground with a CPT rig.
Typical applications include:
- Environmental management including landfill sites
- Monitoring of aquifers
- Monitoring of tidal effects on coastal soils
- Embankments
- Potential landslide sites
- Dewatering excavations
- Tailings lagoons
- Pumping tests
- Monitoring seepage
- Control placement of fill.
Geomotion offer installation and monitoring services to support the Vibrating Wire Piezometer. For more information please email info@geomotion.com.au or contact any of our locations.
